Graves' disease
Graves' disease is an AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE in which abnormal ANTIBODIES stimulate the THYROID GLAND, causing excessive production of THYROID HORMONES and resulting in HYPERTHYROIDISM and THYROTOXICOSIS.
Graves' disease is an AUTOIMMUNE DISORDER and the most common cause of HYPERTHYROIDISM, occurring when THYROID-STIMULATING IMMUNOGLOBULINS (TSI) or TSH RECEPTOR ANTIBODIES (TRAb) activate the THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE RECEPTOR (TSH RECEPTOR) on thyroid cells. This stimulation increases synthesis and release of THYROXINE (T4) and TRIIODOTHYRONINE (T3), causing THYROTOXICOSIS. Graves' disease may also involve tissues outside the thyroid, producing features such as GRAVES OPHTHALMOPATHY, EXOPHTHALMOS, and PRETIBIAL MYXEDEMA. Diagnosis involves THYROID FUNCTION TESTS and detection of thyroid-related autoantibodies, while treatment options include ANTITHYROID DRUGS, RADIOACTIVE IODINE THERAPY, or THYROIDECTOMY.
Graves' disease is an immune system disorder where the body overstimulates the thyroid gland, causing it to make too much thyroid hormone.
• Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. • The immune system produces antibodies that overstimulate the thyroid. • It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. • Excess thyroid hormones cause symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, including: - Increased heartbeat. - Weight loss. - Tremors. - Heat intolerance. • It may cause eye problems known as Graves' ophthalmopathy. • Some patients develop bulging eyes (exophthalmos). • Diagnosis involves thyroid hormone tests and antibody testing. • Treatment aims to reduce excess thyroid hormone production.
graves-disease